Bill Activity

Bill Enacted

This bill was enacted into law on 2020-10-17

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Main Subject: Armed Forces and National Security

Commander John Scott Hannon Veterans Mental Health Care Improvement Act of 2019

This bill makes various updates related to Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) transition assistance, mental health care, and telehealth care.

First, the bill expands the VA's transition assistance efforts, including by expanding eligibility for VA hospital care and medical services to recently discharged or released veterans during the one-year period following their discharge or release from active service.

Next, the bill requires the VA to make grants and take specific actions towards preventing veteran suicide.

The bill requires the VA to conduct various studies, implement temporary programs, and issue updated guidelines related to the causes, diagnoses, and treatment of veterans' mental health issues.

The VA must conduct a study and establish measurable goals related to the effectiveness of its suicide prevention and mental health outreach materials and campaigns.

The bill requires the Government Accountability Office to review and report on several of the VA's efforts, including the effort to integrate mental health care into VA primary care clinics.

The bill makes several changes related to the VA's mental health workforce, including expanding direct hiring authority. Among other requirements, the VA must implement the Department of Veterans Affairs Readjustment Counseling Service Scholarship Program and must address staffing shortages of psychiatrists and psychologists.

Finally, the bill requires the VA to award grants to entities for the expansion of telehealth capabilities and provision of telehealth services to veterans. Additionally, the VA must assess current telehealth security protocols used by other entities and implement a standardized telehealth security protocol at VA facilities.

HR5024-116, HR5030-116, HR5867-116, HR7888-116, HR8148-116, HR8149-116, HR8107-116, HR8108-116, HR100-116, HR2972-116, HR6612-116, S2991-116, S3195-116, S3210-116, S3224-116, HR8144-116, HR8173-116, HR8172-116, HR2898-116, HR4920-116,

Library of Congress Actions

President
Oct. 17 2020	Became Public Law No: 116-171. Signed by President.
Oct. 06 2020	Presented to President.

BecameLaw
Oct. 17 2020	Became Public Law No: 116-171. Signed by President.

Floor
Sep. 23 2020	Passed/agreed to in House: On motion to suspend the rules and pass the bill Agreed to by voice vote.
Aug. 05 2020	Passed/agreed to in Senate: Passed Senate with an amendment by Voice Vote.(text of amendment in the nature of a substitute: CR S4961-4976)

House floor actions Actions

Floor
Oct. 06 2020	Presented to President.
Sep. 23 2020	Motion to reconsider laid on the table Agreed to without objection. On motion to suspend the rules and pass the bill Agreed to by voice vote. (text: CR H4734-4749) DEBATE - The House proceeded with forty minutes of debate on S. 785. Considered under suspension of the rules. (consideration: CR H4734-4752) Mr. Takano moved to suspend the rules and pass the bill.
Aug. 07 2020	Held at the desk. Received in the House.

Senate Actions

Committee
Sep. 09 2020	Committee on Veterans' Affairs. Hearings held.

Floor
Aug. 07 2020	Message on Senate action sent to the House.
Aug. 05 2020	Passed Senate with an amendment by Voice Vote. (text of amendment in the nature of a substitute: CR S4961-4976) The committee substitute withdrawn by Unanimous Consent. (CR S4935) Measure laid before Senate by unanimous consent. (consideration: CR S4921-4935)